Hey Everyone. Letting you know I’m still alive and well (Just about) in Siem Reap in Cambodia.The most adventurous so far. I decided to give the whole KSR package thing a miss as a result of reading up on www.talesofasia.com ‘s advice. Whooooweeee, what a journey.Just to let you know, this is going to be a LONG ass post.

Started off after being tought to drive a tuk-tuk in Bangkok (Thailand) and getting to know the driver. We had a great bond (“James bond? Ill do it!”) 😉 and after me teaching him English over a few beers each morning at 5am and him teaching me Thai, I explained what I intended to do.

He listened, understood and mentioned that he had a friend going to the poipet border to collect people arriving from cambodia in the morning. He said I could get the bus (Minibus) almost all the way to poipet for free. So far so good. Left at 3am and met the minibus driver. Drove for about 2 and a half hours (I fell asleep) in a minibus alone. Nice scenery in the dark. Stopped off in a TINY little village so the guy could “rest”. I let him do so and I took my stuff to see if I could look around that morning. Good fecking job I did! Got back about 20 mins later and he was gone. So heres me stuck in the middle of NOWHERE trying to get to poipet and not even knowing if I was brought in the same direction as it. Luckily I was. I swallied me fear and hitchhiked on the main road. After only THREE cars, I was picked up. Some really old, but nice Thai man. I flattered him with my Thai and he took me to Poipet border. I threw him 300 Bhat for his kindness. I actually could have walked to poipet from there anyway actually!

At this stage now it was 9 bells and I got across the border all on my tod (Considering there was not hundreds of others there due to a package KSR tour) perfectly. Even haggled in Thai to get the visa for the CORRECT price(1000 Bhat).

Crossed the border with no problems but WOW. The difference was regognized INSTANTLY. Cambodia (At this stage, the roads at least) is to Thailand what Thailand is to Ireland.Hung around for about 10 mins and a load of locals were hanging around a pickup truck. I knew I’d see this so I went over and pointed frantically. They all smiled (Thank Buddah!) and helped me in with my bag. After a 2 hour BEAUTIFUL drive to sisiphon, I got out and paid my $5 (Which was FAR too much) and the driver was very happy. Everyone was getting out so I just assumed he was not going to Siem Reap. I just said the words “Siem Reap”to one of the guys and he was like “Yea! Yea!”and called another guy over that was there. THIS guy spoke English! I told him I was going to Siem Reap and he said he could take me on Motocross/Dirtbike for $5. YES! Made the rest of the way through the MOST beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Absolute agony though being on a motorbike with my backpack for god knows how many hours. I had to get him to stop like 10 times!

Finally reached Siem reap and into my hostel (Sorry Cuffy, needed to book it using PAYPAL). As soon as I got there the lady sat me down got me some water and told me EVERYTING about the place, her people and what there was tro do in Siem Reap and what to avoid. Really nice, but I think most people only come here for one reason. One of the seven wonders of the world. 😉 . . . . ANGKOR WAT. More on that later though.

The owner of the guesthouse met me later on and she was REALLY nice. She is Norwegian but she knew I was travelling alone. Met another group of Norwegians and Sigaporians and they are all really nice and cool. The owner of the guesthouse (Christin) teaches in the local orphanage. She brought me and MaryAnn to the Orphanage to meet the kids and to have a talk about IRELAND! The children also put on a dance show (Apsara) for us which was AMAZING. Lots of photos of that!

Anyway, yesterday I went to the West Balay with THREE Khmer (Cambodian) staff for their day off. I was invited, I couldn’t say no! What a day! Its the HUGE Khmer resevoir where only cambodians go. It was so weird, there were THOUSANDS of people there and I was the ONLY white guy. Lots of fun though. Went swimming, sat in a hammock and I had dinner sitting around eating and picking with our hands. Really cool experience. Had to get back to the hostel at 5 because I had to go to…… the BEST part of my trip so far……. A traditional Khmer wedding that we were invited to!

Christin was allowed bring some guests and my Buddah, am I glad she invited ME. It was the most fun I’ve had and the most culturally interesting experience of my live. First of all we arrived and everyone was so surprised to see white (Barang as apposed to Farang) people. We walked through the welcoming “Aisle” and were given gifts to thank us for coming. Lovely loveheart keyrings in gold or silver (I got gold) with lights. We sat down at a table with some Khmer old ladies and their daughter. Good job the daughter spoke some English, she explained EVERYTHING to us.The Ceromony is over 3 days and we were there on the final day. We were served an 11 course meal (Which was not very nice… Khmer food is not my….forte) but there was FREE BEER the WHOLE night. The bride had 30 dresses and she changed every hour or so into them so it was hard to tell where she was at any given time.Really beautiful traditional dresses. My biggest regret was FORGETTING MY CAMERA! Its ok though, I have copies of the others photos. The beer flowed and the customs of cutting hair and thanking guests followed and then the dancing began. The whities were DRAGGED up ontop the dance floor (Or dance table) and as soon as we were there HUNDREDS of people flocked around to dance with us. It was the strangest experience of my life. I felt like I was getting married! I actually felt a bit like GOD! Seriously. Everywhere I walked people would grab me to dance with them or join their table for a beer (Or a downing of a beer as they do it). We danced the night away, I learned some traditional Cambodian dancing (Very easy) and learned some more of teh language. Achun Cambodia! After meeting and having beers and of course dancing around the central table with literally EVERY person there, it was time to leave. Went out to eat some western food (Italian actually) with the rest of the foreigners. Had a rake load of beers ‘cos the Khmers cannot handle their drink , and finally went home, of course after having SOOOO much fun learning the skills of what is now oficially named “A blue steel photo”. HEHEHE, Bob and Emma (Not from Ireland) you are the masters!My Hat goes off to you.

Anyway, the place is EXTREMLY hot and pretty impossible to bear in the daytime (Now). The biggest impact of this place is the poverty. I thought Bangkok was bad. Holy S%^T! The people here are POOOORRRRR. However they are also the most friendly people I have ever met.I mean that by a LONG shot. After their recent history, I am actually quite surprised about that.The whole Khmer Rough thing is so terrible and I feel terrible that I was not aware of it until now. Read my book of history on Cambodia so I’m pretty up to date now on that asshole Pol Pot. Ill do a full update when I head south and visit the killing fields. (If anyone wants to know where I am, watch the movie of the same name “The killing fields”). Need to visit S-21 before I give a proper update.

Could not rent a bike here cos its illegal for tourists, but the traffic here is a tourist attraction in itself. There are literally NO rules of the road here and there is just a constant flow of THOUSAND of motorbikes EVERYWHERE. To cross the road, you just step out into the traffic and let everyone drive around you. Its the done thing!

Anyway, I think that should go now, I need to try make a phone call to my sister. Happy Birthday Jennifer! I miss you and I love you so much.

Sarah, checked your website and glad to hear your rested up and getting back into the swing of things. I miss you so much and I wish you were here right now (Well, not in this internet cafe!). We’ll see this together one day. I Hope!

Anyone wantsto leave a comment or a message for me, feel free. Love you all and miss you all too. Take care and give buttons a ware for me (After her bath)

Ill update when i get to phnom penn.
Dave

Just wanted to wish my sister a wonderful and great Birthday. I miss you and I’ll bring you home something nice! Have a great day! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OK, only had a few beers in my festering fest here in Bangkok last night. Woke up at 7 bells cos a few people in my room were leaving so I saw them off and couldn’t sleep. Decided last night, I went to bed early for a reason. My day of culture! What a long, drawn out, enlightening and tiring day it was…

Started my day by going to the market to have some tofu soup with the locals (I’m staying in Thewet far enough away from the KSR freak show) and a Thai tea (more like a milkshake than tea).

Got the river boat, which is so conveniently located only a few mins from my hostel Took that down to Tha Chang and began my spiritual journey through the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha temple and then Wat po. Finally topping it off with my first ever shopping spree on KSR!

Off the boat and into the Grand Palace and emerald – or JADE as the guidebooks kindly confirm- Buddha temple. Really REALLY beautiful place. Cannot say how much of a pleasure the grass and greenery in general was as opposed to the toxic exhaust air that is Bangkok standard air. Beautiful scenery, buildings, art, sculpture and not so beautiful monks. OW, I feel really cultured now already! Really got into the tourist thing (Wasn’t hard, 99.99% of the people there were tourists anyway so I did not feel bad wandering around with my camera. BURNT the neck off myself. Ill feel it tomorrow. At the entrance the Guards threw a REALLY old German guy out because he was getting very VERY violent with the entrance gate staff because they wouldn’t let his wife in. She was wearing a pair of shorts and a sleeveless blouse and all he kept saying was “I don’t fucking understand…what’s wrong with her clothes?. They offered her some spare clothes but she wouldn’t war them. The whole city, including the tourists understood, why couldn’t he? Ignorance. Read the full story

Stuck in Bangkok! OK, got a flight from China (Cos I have now got 2 free flights) but wouldn’t fly me to Vietnam. Landed in Bangkok and planned to stay for a day. What happened? I lost my Fecking ATM card so I’m stuck here till Bank Of Ireland send it Post Restante. God only knows how long that will take! Thanks Mammy for helping me sort that out!

Anyway, Stayed here for St.Patrick’s day and I’m staying with 11 other people in my dorm and most of them came out with me to celebrate. Really nice. Met some really nice people. Staying in the KSR area (I know…not on it though!) and my hostel/guest house is sooooo cool and hippy style.

Stayed out until 10AM the day after St.Patrick’s day and met some really great new people. Still miss Sarah though! So Much! AHHHH!

Anyway, been around the temples and stuff. This part of the city is so much nicer (I’m the opposite side to where I was previously) and a lot LOT less sex workers. That’s my biggest hate about this place, but where I am I’m really relaxed.

Last night I went to a Thai wedding. One of the staff of my guest house got married and cos I’m now a long term (Relatively) resident, I got invited. It was a REAL experience, although not as colourful as I would have imagined. (And no elephants!)

Anyway, just chilling out here. A lot of the people are hanging around for a few days out of their way to wait for me to come to Cambodia with them. Plan to go to Siam Reap then down to Phnom Penh where I will meet up with my friends from Koh Pang Ngan. It’s amazing how everyone is on the same circuit and can meet up like this.

No Java on this machine so I could only put up a few pictures. (And that took nearly an hour!) I miss the high speed connections of Hong Kong!

Anyway, feel free to leave comments and stuff. It really helps. Miss you all lots and lots. Mai Sabii Dii 🙁

Take care.

OK, finally got my flights sorted. Or NOT! Quantas cannot fly me backwards around the world so I booked my ferry and train. I’m leaving in the morning to make my way overland through China by train. It’s gonna be cool but will mean I will be on a train compressed with some Chinese folk for St Patricks day. 🙁 Oh well. It is suppsed to be an adventure. It will also mean i will be in Australia for 4 days now against my will. I have 2 free flights now though so I can go somewhere else if my milage will allow.

Anyway, went on the longest walk of my life today. By far the most interesting day in Hong Kong so far. Me and Soledad (Dont worry, shes 30 years old with 3 kids1) were going on a walking tour around the central island and district. After like 15 mins, her and her shopping pissed me off and we decided to go our own separate ways.

I made my away around so many cool places and saw so much cool stuff. I have uploaded LOTS of new photos in the Hong Kong section.

After the 4 hour walk I went to Kowloon and did the tour there. Went to the space museume, Flower market, Bird Garden and market and of course, charlies favourite place on earth , the goldfish market. So many of his friends were there. They all miss him.

Later I went to the space museume and at night I went to the island view to watch the Hong Kong city light show. They turn all the lights off in te city, play music and the lights on the buildings are all computer generated and in synch with the music the other side of the harbour! It was so cool.

Anywa, Ill write a more detailed explaination tonight when everyones in bed. Miss you all. Having a ball. Miss Sarah too much though. I love ya and miss ya babe!

I’d write a longer update but theres a queue forming behind me and I feel guilty. If you dont get an update in another few days, assume I was lost on the train in tibet somewhere.

Ciao

Well, I think I have had enough sampling the Hong Kong nightlife. Last night was Steves last night here so we HAD to have a session. Its only right. Went to Laguna (Thanks a fucking lot Lawrence for the crappy advice) played some drinking games and jst got generally lagered up. I met a Canadian guy who was with his phillipino (However you spell that) “lady” and he introduced us to her group of friends. We all then went to Fenwicks which was a LOT better.

Steve was freaked out because 90% of the ladies were hookers. I’m used to seeing that from Thailand, but he got really angry. Could not explain to him to just ignore them. Christoph was in his little element! Learned some philipino from Sol and Darrah so Im happy that my culture vulture urges were satisfied. I can now say “Can I have a cup of tea” in 11 languages!

I have seen a lot worse so it was nothing to me. Had a DEADLY laugh with Christoph (I asked him how to spell it). He is by FAR the craziest and funniest preson I have ever come across. There is NOTHING he wont say. Anyway, just danced and had fun all night. Only updating you because Im so hung over and cannot watch another episode of Opera or American idol. Theres only one English station over here. Got in at 11AM this morning but I DO remember aving noodles for brekfast again.

Dont really have any more news other than I could not sort my flights out today because the place closed at 12 noon and I was still drunk coming in. Down to my last few pennies already. Have to get to Vietnam ASAP. Got an EMAIL from my friends from KPN in Thailand. They all want to meet up in Vietnam (Although now I am travelling the oposite direction to them).

Anyway, I uploaded some more photos. Got a little mixed up with the whole category thing. Some are in China some are in Hong Kong, Im sure you can figure out wich ones!

Off to Kowloon Bay again tonight. (To buy a whammy bar!) to do some nice sightseeing and some cheap shopping. (Frayed ended jeans are a fashion crime here!). Ill have a quiet day tomorrow and upload all my photos from last night and tonight. The internet connection here is REALLY fast so its not a problem and it will probably be the last photo upload for a while.

Anyway, thanks for all your comments, I LOVE reading them and they make me feel like I’m home. Leave me more!

PS: Sorry Jennifer, I didn’t know I packed that! Ill make sure I get it back to you safe.

PPS: Christine Davis. My Suitcase is FILLING QUICK with your keyrings!

Miss you all. Tell Buttons I sid Hi. Sarah, hope you have a great time in the land of the Gaeltacht. Love you and miss you.

OK, This is going to be a LONG update so be prepared. Last update I had just moved to my hostel and was getting a littel bored with the place. when I got to my hostel it all changed. Staying in a dorm with 4 other guys and a girl. An Irish Guy from Meath, a Boring English guy who does nothing with us, An Australian girl who also does nothing, Kristoph the crazy German and Steve, the rich US student on Spring Break.

I promised myself Id give my impressions of Hong Kong on my next update. Biggesst ting about Hong Kong I noticed is how SLOW everyone walks! Its nuts! And Its not just a few people or most people, its EVERYONE. Its slow even for ME!

Its also really clean. Everywhere yuo go theres these hand sanatizers and everyone wears those face masks. I really want to get one!

Anyway, a few night me and the Irish guy went up victoria peak and did the real touristy thing. It was absolutely amaying. I met an old lady up there from Wales originally but lived in HK for 40 years. I spoke to her for ages and she gave me the history of HK and it was really interesting. I also did a REAL touristy thing. I got a professional photo done of me with the HK skyline. I love being a tourist!

Anyway, couple of days ago we went clubbing and met a group of chinese people and I learned LOTS of Mandarin, and my cantonese is picking up already. We stayed out with them all night and had lots of fun. Next day we went to Macau (A Portugese colony along mainland china) and we had a deadly day! There was so much to do. Got the turboJet Ferry to Macau.We did the lonely planet walking tour and visited lots of cool museumes and sights.

Visited a temple (Godess of fishermen temple). None of the lads were interested so they let me go in for an hour while they waited outside. Met a chinese man and his daughter (older than me) and they saw my look of awe at the place and they came over to me and brought me round the temple. He introduced me to three chinese girls my age and they showed me the Taoist stick wish or blessing and around the temple. The man sat me down and explained his religion and the differences between Taoism and Bhuddism. He let me ask LOADS of questions and I had a really nice time.We all offered the incense to the goddess and It was the best part of my day.

Later we went to the black sand beach wich was so weird. The whole beach had ONLY black sand (Something to do with volcanoes). Steve got in and actually swam. Nutcase. After we went for dinner we hit the casinos. what an experience. I have no photos of inside cos they dont allow you to bring them in. Dont know why. Spent 100 euros (Lost actually). Learned how to play BlackJack, Poker (Properly), Bakerat and roulette! So Cool. Its JUST like you see on telly. The rich guy lost a LOT of money!

We met our chinese friends in the casino (What are the chances) and we went clubbing and it was a lot of fun.

Next day our friends were going home. they asked us to come, and being on the adventure were all on, we just, spur of the moment, decided to go to china. Train only took a few hours and china is weird. I would like to stay here a lot longer. Might skip a week or two in the US and go to Shanghi or Beijing. Then again, I have no idea where ill end up! Just got back and im wreked. really long last few days. Got lots of photos and I bought a new card reader and memory card. I LOVE BEING A TOURIST! So glad I came here. Made some really cool friends. reinforces my idea that traveling is 45% the location, 5% the journey there and 50% the people you meet along the way.

This ones just for Eimh. Tonight, guess where Im going clubbing???? KOWLOON BAY! (I was born in Kowloon Bay) Ill take some photos for you!

BY The way, a few months ago, I made Kerrie a promise. Here it is. IM THINKING OF YOU KERRIE!

Anyway, I have settled nicely here. The place is still really eypensive to live in but all the people I have met in my hostel (Especially in the main common room) have all traded advice on where to go for the cheapest food and stuff. right now I can live here for about 30 euro a day. Thats not including clubbing. Thats cheap food and staying in the hostel getting drunk and making our own disco! I had to buy vitimans because Im (Like everyone else) LIVING on noodles. I actually cannot remember how to use a fork! Chopsticks are so much more versatile!

By the way, I only got to upload some of my photos. Ill do the rest in the morning as I have them on the computer now. Queu gathering behind me (Free internet in hostel) so I cannot really stay on and wait until the lot upload! Miss you all. Especially you Sarah.

Off to Vietnam soon, but will update before then. Take care, mind yezerselves and give Buttons a big and a kiss from me. Also, if my mother is still in Ireland or anyone has seen or heard from her. Tell her that her eldest son has been trying to get in touch with her every day since 2 days before “MOTHERS” day! 😉

BYE

Just to let you all know that I’m finally moving! Getting the hell out of this insane priced hotel and moving to a hostel to a dorm that I can spend 10 nights in for the price of 1 night here.

Went to Vietnam Consulate today and applied for my visa. Have to wait 3 days, but it will probably be then by the time I get my flights changed. Also had to set my fecking ports of entry AND exit. What a joke. What if your a nomad like me? 😉

Anwyay, spent my entire budget on socks and a jumper last night. What a rip off city. Also got a memory card for me camera so thats a plus.

Everything except electronics are expensive here. Laptops are cheap enough too, but by far and away the cheapest thing (Almost cheaper than food) is mobile phones. Latest brand spanking new ones too!

Anyway, I’m sure this is all very boring to yall. Just nice to keep yall updated while I have my morning cofee.

Take care.

Arrived in Hong Kong alive and well, albeit Tired and stinky after a LONG day and a half travelling. Jodie met me off the airport train and brought me to a hotel. This place is EXPENSIVE as hell! I cannot afford anything!

Jodie brought me out and I met a load of her friends. Thank god none of them are like her at all. She has not changed a bit. She showed me around Central hong kong down all the little ally ways etc. Nice to see.

We then went to Wan Chai to meet her friends. We went for dinner and then for a dance but after all my travelling then advanced level drinking I had to leave everyone.

Jodie had to head to Phuket to see her mam for some reason, but she left me in the hands of her friends who are all really nice. Half Chinese and Half western (Australian and Swedish) so Its a good mix.

Went for dinner again with them tonight and am now sitting in a really cool cofee shop (One with couches like I have always wanted) using the free internet cos I couldnt find internet ANYWHERE here.

Its absolutely freezing here. its like winter and NOTHING like Thailand. Struggling to find where I can get a Visa for Vietnam but I think tonight Ill just take advantage of my Hotel, stay in, eat sweets and watch a movie. (Not a bluey!)

Got the subway today. In my opinion, its the best way to figure the layout of the city and learn the initial ropes. After a few times, you become more comfortable. 😉

Tomorrow I have a long day. Have to find a hostel, find a jumper, find some socks and a belt (They were stolen from my laundry!) and find a memory card for my camera. Im so pissed off, I left it till I came here so I could get some decent prices.

I really cannot stay here. I need to leave as soon as possible, otherwise all my money will be spent for the other locations.

Well, Ill love yall and leave yall. Ill probably update you again soon because I found this cool little cofee shop and above all its free!

Miss you all, especially Sarah!
XXXXXXXX

I have had to delete the last few posts from my site because its a little messed up for some reason. Anyway, I just got off the train back from Chiang Mai and am now sitting in a cafe in Bangkok airport on the fastest internet station in Thailand! Bout time! Train journey down was good. All my friends bought me a taxi and followed me to the station on their motorbikes. It was really sad leaving. I told everyone I’m coming back and I fully expect to, but for some reason, most of them KNOW I’m never going to see them again.

Anyway, Ill post my previous news here. Its a long read, so bear with it.

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